A38 Villagers Celebrate as Council Rejects Housing Development Plans

Villagers complained about sewage in floodwater. They were happy with the council’s decision. A company wanted to change housing development rules. This development includes 85 homes near the A38. The location is Chestnut Tree Farm in Twigworth.

The council’s planning group met on February 18th. George Sharpley spoke for local residents. He asked the council to keep the original rule. This rule said no new houses connect to the sewer without upgrades.

Sharpley said drainage plans miss a key point. The problem is pressure on the existing sewage system. Twigworth and Down Hatherley are closely linked. Heavy rain causes floodwater to enter old pipes.

An inspector saw sewage mixed with floodwater. It came from drains and manholes. Severn Trent sends trucks to remove the sewage. This creates smell, noise, danger, and traffic. Both villages have this problem often. It happens after sewage floods streets, gardens, and homes.

A Twigworth woman said sewage contaminated her home. Her baby’s things were covered in it. She felt it was her fault. The rule gives the council power for improvements. This could protect people’s health and wellness.

Graham Whitehouse spoke for the company. He said work has been done. Severn Trent and council officers did not object. He wanted to change the rule’s wording. It would align with usual drainage rules.

Severn Trent said upgrades happened. These upgrades involved lining pipes and adding capacity. They reduced water infiltration. Therefore, the rule should change.

Mel Gore proposed rejecting the change. She thought a standard rule was not right. Foul water and sewage issues are common there. She had not heard of this elsewhere.

Sarah Hands agreed with Gore. She said the problem reaches Churchdown. The area was flooded during the planning inquiry. The houses will get built regardless. The council wants to protect the wider area. The committee voted against changing the rule.